All systems go for Andrada Cup

THE top age group tennis players in the country take a little rest before the loaded 2014 season starts with the 2014 Philippine Lawn Tennis Association’s (Philta) 25th Andrada Cup on Jan. 6-2 at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Malate, Manila.

The tournament, which is a Group 1 Philta event, will feature the singles’ categories 10-Under Unisex, the 12-Under, 14-Under, 16-Under and 18-Under boys and girls and the doubles’ 10-Under Unisex, 14-Under (boys and girls) and the 18-Under (boys and girls).

Tournament Director Loida Mallare announced that the deadline of entries for the singles category will be on Jan. 3 at 12 noon, while the doubles category will be on Jan. 7 also at 12 noon.

The tournament’s format in the singles category from the first round up to the semis is two regular sets, while the third set will be a super tiebreak.

The finals for the singles category will be a best of three regular sets, while the doubles category will follow the straight eight format.

The official ball to be used in the 12 and above categories will be the Dunlop ball, while the 10 and under classes will use the green balls.

Among those expected to toss their hats into the field are the recent titlists in the Philta National Age Group tournament led by 18-Under Boys king Eric Jed Olivarez, Marcen Gonzales, Jerome Romualdez, Emmanuel Vacalares, Justin Suarez and Manuel Balce III. /Correspondent JADE S. VIOLETA